Herygers gets "almost emotional himself" but hopes Thibau Nys remains cautious: "He obviously can't wait"

Due to Wout van Aert's absence, Belgium focuses on Thibau Nysin this cyclo-cross winter. The still-young Belgian claimed the European title on Sunday in Pontevedra, which sparked some extra expectations—expectations that he himself does not temper, which is also visible to the journalists.

"It is, of course, early days, hey. He is still very young, but he pressures himself to perform. He obviously can't wait. He could benefit himself for a few more years to develop gradually, but he can't wait. Anyhow, it's good for cyclo-cross, you can notice that," Paul Herygers told Sporza. ''He's a special guy, right? I enjoyed that victory. You almost get emotional about it yourself. Especially when you see, he is sensitive; he's been through everything with his dad. He starts on the bottom step then, but he's steadily growing."

Read more below the photo.

Hit for Thibau Nys in Pontevedra

Herygers hopes Thibau Nys takes it easy

Herygers is already comparing Nys to Roland Liboton, the Frenchman who excelled on the road and in the field in the past. "Somehow, he has more qualities on the road. He has already shown that. Sven could learn something from that," it sounds about Nys' road ambitions. The Belgian nevertheless remains cautious: "What level he will reach has yet to be determined. That is unstoppable. You can see that coming. You can try to stop that, and I will try to temper him. He shouldn't put that pressure on himself. It's not necessary for anything, but he can't wait. He wants to be there as soon as possible. Still, I stick to my guns: take your time. There is already a lot to win, but the significant achievements must still come later."

Read also

Bad news for cyclo-cross fans: Van Anrooij has to end season after surgery, Van Aert returns later than expected

Nys secured title his father never won, but turned a little pale due to chain failure Haverdings and huge barriers

🎥 Heart-wrenching: newly crowned European champion devastated with grief at the thought of Furrer

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